Willie J. Cripps Sr.

his side.

He was born on May 16, 1931 in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, to Elon and Emma Cripps. He lived and worked

on the family farm until enlisting in the US Army in 1951; he served during the Korean War and was

awarded a Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars. After returning from Korea, Willie was

Honorably Discharged in 1956. Willie moved to the Yakima Valley working on farms and for a season as

an equipment operator for Jay Neal Lumber Company in Glenwood, WA. Then returned to Minnesota

where he started a family and a career as Owner Operator Truck Driver. Working over the years for

Mayflower Van Lines, and Anderson Trucking Service. Willie then moved back to Washington in the

1970’s farming and again picking up Owner Operator truck driving for Canaday Farms, until he retired in

2000. Willie in his last years enjoyed spending time with family, especially the grandkids and the energy

they brought, and recently cutting firewood for his home with his sons Willie Jr and Warren, earning

the nickname ‘Stack’em High Willie’, he loved to garden and he loved his Chihuahuas Sweetie, Sissy and

Moon.

Willie is survived by his wife Joan Cripps, sons Duane Cleparty of Wapato, Willie Cripps Jr(Juana) of

Harrah, Warren Cripps Sr(Liz) of Toppenish, Ronald Burns(Jamie) of Yakima, Mike Burns(Melanie) of

Cowiche, daughters Bonnie Cripps and Sara Cripps both of White Swan, Margaret Cripps(Winterhawk) of

Toppenish, Britany Cripps of Wapato, Kim Burns of Yakima, Lisa Duffy(Steve) of Iowa, Ginny Frank(Stacy)

and Nikki Eversole(Chuck) both of Union Gap, a brother Clarence Cripps(Lex) of Fort Ripley, Minn.; three

sisters Margaret Mich of Minneapolis, Lee Sontag(Jim) of Pocatello, ID., and Evelyn Verville(Chester) of

Hopkins, Minn., 20 Grandchildren, 8 Great-grandchildren and Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elon and Emma Cripps, a brother Reinhold Cripps, 2 sisters

Delores Olds, and Mary Nix.

A special thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Yakima Regional and Toppenish Nursing and

Rehab Center for their compassion and care.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Merritt Funeral Home in

Wapato. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13, 2011 also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Reservation Community Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Willie visit, www.merrittsfuneralhome.com.